Matthew Pressley

The distinctive water tower at Ellis Park that hulks behind the far turn and is emblazoned with the Kentucky track's name will be removed over the coming weeks "due to critical safety concerns related to its structural integrity." Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI), the gaming corporation that owns Ellis, made the announcement via press release on Thursday. CDI stated the decision was made "despite dedicated efforts to preserve the historic water tower." But, the press release added, "given the lack of functionality and rapid deterioration of the water tower, the increasing...